Author: Itohan Abaralaserian

Wedding

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Airport users were on Saturday  astonished as a couple, Olamide Alli and Abiodun Agboola, took their wedding vows at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2).

The terminal is operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the barricaded section of the departure area, for the wedding, accommodated only about 50 guests.

Mr Kola Bamigboye, the Chief Operating Officer, BASL, told NAN that the wedding, which was first of its kind at the airport, was to tell the world that MMA2 was more than a terminal.

He hoped that with the successful wedding ceremony, more people would like to wedding at airports.

“We like to bring people together. Its either you are travelling through our terminal or you are coming here to solidify your love,” he said.

Mrs Monica Oguta, the Head of Aviation Security for BASL,  said that the wedding was an opportunity to create value for airport terminals.

When asked if the couple were airport staff, Oguta said: They are just Nigerians who felt the idea is good.

“I started nursing the idea of an airport wedding some years back and when the opportunity came, we seized it.”

NAN reports that the  couple exchanged their wedding vows and rings at the terminal.

The wedding was officiated by Ms Oluwabukunmi Aminu, a vow coordinator.

A passenger, Mrs Abigail Babatunde, said she had never witnessed such a wedding before.

NAN  reports that the couple were given free flight tickets by Value Jet Airline. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Ijeoma Popoola

FAAN MD wants WILAT key into cargo of agriculture produce

Cargo

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has urged  Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) to key into air cargo of agricultural produce.

Kuku made the call during a courtesy call  on her by a team from WILAT, on Friday in Lagos.

Kuku said that FAAN was putting a lot in place to ensure that  necessary infrastructure such as temperature-controlled systems and testing centres would be  in place at all airports in the country.

She said that the aim was  to grow the country’s economy through air cargo.

Buttressing the role of WILAT in empowering, mentoring and supporting women in the ecosystem, Kuku said that women should be part of the end-to-end value system.

“I do strongly believe that women in logistics and transport, both the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and WILAT, will play a critical role in this drive.

“This is an opportunity for women nationally to play a role from the end-to-end value system.

“This is an opportunity to look at your constituency to see how we can further execute the roadmap that we are working on in different states.

“From our end in aviation, for the airports in particular, we have made commitments around the necessary infrastructure, which would include things such as temperature-controlled facilities, and I am certain there are people or organisations that are part of the broader ecosystem for WILAT,” she said.

She advised WILAT to look for ways of collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The managing director pledged FAAN’s support and collaborations.

Earlier, Mrs Folake Soji-George, the Global Vice Chairperson of WILAT, said that the group mentored students from the Faculty of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University.

Soji-George  praised FAAN for support so far but called for more.

Mrs Khadijat Seidu-Shabi, Chairperson, WILAT Nigeria,  congratulated  Kuku on her appointment.

She  disclosed that WILAT would decorate the FAAN MD with a role model award to encourage younger women in the ecosystem.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that a congratulatory letter, card, satch and badge were presented to the managing director during the visit. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Ground handling: NAHCO renews  contract with  Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc

Contract

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. (NAHCO-Aviance) has, again, signed five years contracts with Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc airlines for ground handling services.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tayo Ajakaye, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications of NAHCO, on Thursday in Lagos.

Ajakaye said that the contract with Lufthansa, a leading European carrier, began on May 1, 2024, and would end on April 30, 2029.

He said that the contract with Royal Air Maroc was comprehensive for both Lagos and Abuja destinations.

The official said that  both contract took effect  on  May 1, 2024, and would end on April 30, 2029,.

He quoted the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development of NAHCO, Prince Saheed Lasisi, as saying that the contracts  came when NAHCO was increasing  capacity, with its recent purchase of new ground support equipment.

“Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc have made the right decision in staying with NAHCO.

‘We just took delivery of billions of naira worth of equipment which would be deployed to service these valued partners,” Ajakaye quoted Lasisi as saying. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

NAMA upgrades surveillance system to enhance airspace safety, security

Airspace
By Itohan Abara-Laserian (08152358494)

Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun  upgrading its surveillance infrastructure across airports and other remote installations to enhance safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Ahmed Farouk, made the disclosure in a statement  on Wednesday in Lagos.

Farouk also said that President Bola Tinubu had approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some  facilities and engage technology solution providers.

The  managing director also said that NAMA  received a team from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to discuss salient issues on safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

Farouk said that  collaboration between NAMA and NAF  had been critical to the sustenance of Nigeria’s airspace safety and security.

“NAMA handles civil operations, while the air force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” he said.

He quoted the leader of the NAF delegation, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir, as saying that  NAF recently deployed new platforms designed for national air defence.

Farouk also quoted Abdulkadir as saying that  NAF had completed day training and was about to finish night training which would enable rapid interception of any intrusion in the airspace. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Training

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA), on Tuesday, unveiled a two-story  building to bridge training gap in the aviation industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the academy, a subsidiary of Finchglow Holdings, trains aviation professionals  for successful careers in the industry.

It is located on Toyin Street, Ikeja.

The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Mr Bernard Bankole, said at the unveiling that development of a country or an organisation would require adequate education of the workforce.

Bankole said that it had become necessary to add value to the aviation industry.

According to Bankole, the LAA had, in seven years, graduated more than 2,000 aviation professionals.

He expressed the hope  that, with the new building,  more professionals would be trained.

He said that training schools in Nigeria were in short supply compared to the  nation’s population.

“We have finally come to a befitting place for the academy.

“This is to set the record and the path right that the government needs to look more into how to develop education and our people.

“In every organisation, in every country, human capital is the greatest asset to have,” he said.

Bankole said that the old  building had only four classrooms with a capacity of 20 persons, noting  that the new one had eight bigger classrooms with a capacity of over 40 persons.

He disclosed that the new building  had apartments for students coming from outside of Lagos and Lagos residents who would not want to be commuting  daily to and from the campus.

Bankole said that the academy underwent rigorous regulations and certification from the Association of Approved Training Organisations in Nigeria, International Air Transport Association and NCAA to achieve its current status.

The Finchglow boss called for more external and government support, saying that collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies would help to increase professionalism in the industry.

Mr Bolaji Durojaiye, the Head of School, LAA, said that the academy would need the support of industry stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Mrs Bukola Tariba, a Regional Manager at NCAA, who represented the Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said  that the authority would continue to ensure international standards. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/CHOM/IGO

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

Security

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, on Monday inaugurated 120 officers of the Aviation Security ( AVSEC) Special Force that would bear arms.

Kuku said  this was part of her mission to beef up security across airports in the country.

While inaugurating 30 of the personnel at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Kuku said  it was a constructive step to get Nigeria’s aviation security team kitted in line with  global standards.

She said: “This is for them to help us in terms of securing our assets as well as the people within the aviation environment, specifically at the airports.

“It is remarkable for us, we are happy that we spent a significant amount of time in terms of training them and identifying the sort of individuals that are part of this squad.

“They are quite professional as you can see, and they will continue to engage as well as work closely with other security agencies.”

Kuku allayed the fear of the security team using  excessive force in the course of its duty.

She advised passengers and other airports users to go about their businesses in an orderly manner.

According to her, the arms show that the team is an elite squad.

“What is critical is that we want to make sure that we can deter people. We hope that we do not have to use force. In the event that they need to, they will coordinate with all of the other security agencies.

“The focus is to make sure that they are helping us in terms of executing all of our desires, specifically around making sure that there are no illegal activities that go on.

“We are starting with the five international airports, that is Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu. There is a similar exercise going on.

“We do have about 120 people who have been trained. In Lagos, we have about 30 of them.

“You can see them, they are gallant, they are well kitted, ready to protect, and are ready to serve,” she said.

Kuku expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support  FAAN received from  his office, the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the national security adviser.

“We did have some challenges starting off initially but with their support, we have been able to get this rolling.

“We are also collaborating very closely with all of the security agencies across the airports.

“I was with the chief of air staff last week in Abuja, and he is working very closely with us,” she said.

On the next phase, the FAAN managing director said that campaigns against  corruption at airports needed coordination,  expressing hope that the inauguration was a step in the right direction.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/CHOM/IGO

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

Alleged burglar suffers electric shock  inside FAAN powerhouse

FAAN

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An unidentified man believed to have attempted to steal electrical cables inside the powerhouse of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the Lagos airport, has suffered an electric  shock.

The Managing Director of FAAN,  Mrs Olubunmi Kuku,  made the disclosure  on Monday at the inauguration of  a 30-man security outfit that would operate at the Lagos airport.

Kuku,  who said that the electric shock happened recently, added that the unidentified man unlawfully entered  into a building where FAAN  power generators were installed.

She added that the man was disconnecting  installations supplying power to the airport when he was shocked.

According to the managing director,  the agency is leaving no stone unturned to block all loopholes that can allow unauthorised persons into airports.

She said that miscreants had crossed the perimeter fences of airports and stolen airfield lighting equipment.

She said that FAAN had looked forward to the unveiling of the 30-man security outfit.

According to her, there has been a lot of investment into airport security, from the armoury to the training of personnel and getting the arms as well as the ammunition.

Addressing the newly-inaugurated security personnel, Kuku said: “You have been specially selected to be part of this unit.

“This is a special unit. Hopefully, there won’t be any need to use your arms.

“What is critical is that we want you to work very closely with the other security agencies at the airport. This is an environment that we want to keep safe and secure.

“Today, we are collaborating with all the security agencies, especially with the air force.”

The managing director said that President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the national security adviser remained committed to airport security. (NAN)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Airports: FAAN vows crackdown on touts, sets up task force

Touting

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Saturday said it had set up a task force to eliminate touting, extortion and illicit activities at airports.

The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Saturday, in Lagos.

Kuku expressed her worries over reports of harassment and extortion of passengers at airports.

She vowed to crackdown on perpetrators of such illegal activities, emphasising her commitment to ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers.

Kuku said that Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at FAAN, was to spearhead the initiative as the chairman of the task force.

The FAAN MD also declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.

Kuku said that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices, stressing that it was no longer business as usual.

She highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.

Kuku announced that as measures to ensure the zero tolerance policy, magistrate courts would be established at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders.

“The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.

“In addition, dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience.

“All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability,” she said.

The FAAN MD reiterated the authority’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for passengers and other airport users. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Aircraft

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) British Airways has grounded its aircraft at the Murtala International Airport, Ikeja, due to a technical fault.

The airline has, however, apologised for the flight disruption.

The airline’s Regional Commercial Manager, Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Tutu Otuyalo, told journalists on Friday that the carrier had apologised to passengers.

She said that the airline would  take up the costs of accomodation and meals for affected passengers.

Otuyalo said that the majority of passengers had been accommodated on other flights, while the carrier’s team continued to work hard to book the remaining customers on a flight as soon as possible.

“We will cover accommodation and meal costs for the customers.

“We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so. Most of the affected passengers have been re-accommodated to other flights.

”We have been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay in their flight caused by a technical issue with the aircraft,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  gathered that some of the affected passengers have been endorsed on available carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta airlines.

Recall that British Airways flight number BA 74, which was scheduled to depart  Lagos for Heathrow, London, at 10.50 p.m. on Wednesday,  suffered a hitch as the scheduled aircraft developed a technical problem.

The flight was rescheduled and later cancelled due to the technical problem.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Ijeoma Popoola

NCAA praises Keyamo’s contributions toward Nigeria’s ICAO audit rating

Rating

Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  Mr Festus Keyamo’s contributions to Nigeria’s 71.04 per cent audit rating by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Mr Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, made the commendation before journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.

Achimugu said that Nigeria scored 71.04 per cent in the ICAO-conducted Universal Security Audit Programme-Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA).

He said that Keyamo (SAN) and the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, played huge roles during the recently-concluded ICAO’s USAP-CMA in the country’s aviation industry.

He said that Keyamo and Najomo were pivoted to the ICAO’s rating due to their leadership skills and mobilisation of human  and material resources to ensure that all gaps were closed.

The NCAA spokesman described as mischievous, comments in some quarters that the minister and Najomo were responsible for  alleged poor ratings Nigeria had.

“It is ironic that the writer blames the ‘failure’ of the security audit on the honourable minister (meaning that the minister should have intervened and done whatever was necessary to score higher).

“At the same time, the writer  blames the minister for “intervening” in security and safety issues. He needs to decide if he wants the minister to be involved or not,” he said.

Achimugu said that both Keyamo and Najomo came into office months ago and swang into action immediately to improve  infrastructure and workers’ remuneration.

“Six months ago, we met a dilapidated industry with poor infrastructure. The security and safety issues did not start in the last six months.

“Had it not been for the tireless efforts of the honourable minister and the D-G, NCAA, what we met on the ground would not have scored 30% in the audit.

“Going by what was on ground when Keyamo and Najomo assumed office, the current score is a substantially good showing, a miracle if I must say.

“The narrative being pushed out is just a part of the larger strategy to push out Keyamo and Najomo from office. It is the handwork of paid mercenaries,” he said.

According to Achimugu, ICAO auditors praised Nigeria’s performance during their final briefing at the NCAA and  mentioned that they  had complained about an absent infinfrastructure.

According to him, the auditors eventually  said that they were pleasantly surprised that the infrastructure  was made available the following day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ICAO had in March conducted the USAP-CMA for the Abuja and Lagos airports. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola